Neill faces sentencing next month

Published: Friday, January 25, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 9:29 p.m.

Disbarred Hendersonville attorney Sam Neill faces sentencing and restitution next month after pleading guilty in April to federal tax fraud in U.S. District Court.

The former congressional candidate also pleaded guilty in September to five state counts of felony embezzlement in Henderson County Superior Court. His sentencing on state charges has been delayed by his federal case.

A paralegal for Neill's defense attorney, Joseph Cheshire, said Neill's last continuance changed his next court date to the week of Feb. 25, but they were still unsure Thursday of exactly when Neill will be sentenced.

Pending his efforts with restitution payments from the state charges, Neill faces up to 84 years in prison for stealing more than $2.5 million from five estates and trusts under his care.

As part of the state plea agreement, Cheshire said Neill will pay restitution to all five estates. Cheshire provided deeds of trust and promise-to-pay documents to the victims.

According to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, Neill promised to repay $247,682 to the Edna A. Davis revocable living trust fund; $442,000 to the Irene F. Meinke estate; $850,000 and five percent annual interest to the Ruth D. Danis estate; and, $1.15 million at 8 percent yearly interest through a civil settlement agreement with the Barry E. Clemo Charitable Remainder Trust.

The Barry Clemo Trust was set up in 2007 to benefit Four Seasons, a local hospice organization where Clemo volunteered, and the Community Foundation of Henderson County.

Neill has already repaid $55,000 in restitution to the Harold R. Tallmadge Trust, according to the SBI.

<p>Disbarred Hendersonville attorney Sam Neill faces sentencing and restitution next month after pleading guilty in April to federal tax fraud in U.S. District Court.</p><p>The former congressional candidate also pleaded guilty in September to five state counts of felony embezzlement in Henderson County Superior Court. His sentencing on state charges has been delayed by his federal case.</p><p>A paralegal for Neill's defense attorney, Joseph Cheshire, said Neill's last continuance changed his next court date to the week of Feb. 25, but they were still unsure Thursday of exactly when Neill will be sentenced.</p><p>Pending his efforts with restitution payments from the state charges, Neill faces up to 84 years in prison for stealing more than $2.5 million from five estates and trusts under his care.</p><p>As part of the state plea agreement, Cheshire said Neill will pay restitution to all five estates. Cheshire provided deeds of trust and promise-to-pay documents to the victims. </p><p>According to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, Neill promised to repay $247,682 to the Edna A. Davis revocable living trust fund; $442,000 to the Irene F. Meinke estate; $850,000 and five percent annual interest to the Ruth D. Danis estate; and, $1.15 million at 8 percent yearly interest through a civil settlement agreement with the Barry E. Clemo Charitable Remainder Trust.</p><p>The Barry Clemo Trust was set up in 2007 to benefit Four Seasons, a local hospice organization where Clemo volunteered, and the Community Foundation of Henderson County.</p><p>Neill has already repaid $55,000 in restitution to the Harold R. Tallmadge Trust, according to the SBI.</p>